Following the maya trail: from Bacalar to Holbox, in freedom

Welcome to the Mexican Caribbean ! Upon arrival at the Cancún airport, you will be met at the rental car counter. An English-speaking guide will assist you with the necessary procedures to pick up your vehicle at the main office. 

Overnight stay at a hotel in Cancún

You’ll leave Cancún and travel along the Riviera Maya toward Tulum. Along the way, you’ll pass a series of famous beaches and resorts, lined with white sand and turquoise waters. Arrival in Tulum in the early afternoon. This small seaside town is now popular for its bohemian atmosphere and its proximity to several major natural and archaeological sites. Check in at your accommodation and enjoy some free time to relax on the beach or explore the surrounding area.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Tulum

This day is entirely yours to explore Tulum and its surroundings at your own pace. The archaeological site of Tulum, built overlooking the sea, is easily accessible. It is one of the few places where traces of Mayan civilization blend with a seascape.

Here are a few suggestions for nearby excursions:

• Akumal (30 km)
• Cenote Sac Actun (30 km)
• Kaan Luum Lagoon (10 km)
• Cobá (41 km)

Overnight stay at a hotel in Tulum

You continue your journey southward along the peninsula to reach Bacalar. Along the way, a stop at Cenote Azul, located 40 minutes from the city, offers a pleasant opportunity to swim in a natural open-air pool. You’ll arrive in Bacalar in the afternoon. The lagoon, nearly 50 km long, reveals spectacular shades ranging from light blue to deep turquoise. It’s a peaceful place, still untouched by mass tourism.

Boat tour of the lagoon (3 hours). A private boat takes you to explore the main points of interest: the submerged cenotes, Bird Island, and the Pirates’ Channel. You can swim at several locations. The light at the end of the day gives the landscape a unique atmosphere.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bacalar

Today is yours to enjoy the lagoon at your own pace. There are several activities to choose from, depending on your preferences:

• Kayaking
• Swimming at Cenote Azul or in the lagoon
• Visit to Fort San Felipe, built in the 18th century to repel pirate attacks. Today, it houses a small museum chronicling the history of the city and the region.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bacalar

An early morning departure to head inland. You’ll enter a more remote region of Campeche, rich in vegetation and featuring little-visited ruins. The road winds through small rural communities to the first archaeological sites of the day.

Becan Site. This Mayan ceremonial center, easily accessible, is surrounded by a defensive moat unique to the region. You may occasionally spot monkeys, toucans, or coatis here.

Chicanná Site. Located a few kilometers from Becan, this small site reveals refined architectural details, particularly on the façade of the main temple, which depicts the mouth of a terrestrial monster. You will then check into your accommodation at the entrance to the Calakmul Reserve. This region, still relatively unknown to the general public, offers a direct link to the deep origins of the Mayan world.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Chicanna

We set out very early this morning to reach Calakmul, a major site of the Maya civilization located in the heart of a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve. Accessible after a two-hour drive through the forest, the site is as impressive for its isolation as it is for the richness of its ruins.

Calakmul Archaeological Site. Rarely visited, it is home to two monumental pyramids. From their summits, the forest canopy stretches as far as the eye can see. Calakmul was one of the greatest political centers of the Mayan world, a direct rival to Tikal in Guatemala. As you explore these silent temples, you can almost touch the traces of Mayan civilization in their rawest form. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Campeche, a colonial port city on the Gulf of Mexico. Check-in at your hotel in the historic center.

Overnight at a hotel in Campeche

After a quick stroll through the colorful streets of Campeche, we head inland toward Uxmal, passing by secluded cenotes along the way.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Cenote Experience

A guided immersion in two little-known cenotes, deep in the forest, far from the usual tourist routes. We’ll reach them after stopping at a local market, a chance to sample seasonal fruits or exchange a few words with the vendors in their huipils.

Uxmal Archaeological Site

Less crowded than Chichén Itzá but just as impressive, this site is a true favorite. The Puuc architecture, the Pyramid of the Magician, and the Governor’s Palace showcase great finesse. Uxmal means “built three times”: here again, traces of Mayan civilization can be found in the carved details and the harmony of the site. At the end of the day, arrival in Mérida, the lively capital of Yucatán.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Mérida

Free morning in Mérida, a city nicknamed “the White City” for its light-colored facades.

Swimming at Yokdzonot Cenote. On the way east, stop at Yokdzonot Cenote. Managed by a local cooperative, this natural pool surrounded by nature offers a peaceful swim in cool, deep water.

Chichén Itzá. One of the most iconic Mayan sites. Listed as a World Heritage Site and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it blends Mayan heritage with Toltec influences. The observatory, the ball court, and the Temple of Kukulkán make it an essential stop for understanding the different phases of the civilization’s development. End the day in Valladolid, a charming colonial town where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight in a hotel in Valladolid

This morning, head north along the peninsula to explore one of the Yucatán’s most spectacular nature reserves.

Río Lagartos Reserve. You’ll board a boat for a tour through the heart of this protected area, located among mangroves and salt flats. The site is known for being home to Mexico’s largest colony of flamingos, as well as numerous pelicans, ibises, cormorants, and crocodiles. It’s an ideal outing for observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Las Coloradas. Nearby, the salt flats of Las Coloradas offer a stunning spectacle: depending on the angle of the light, the water takes on shades of pink, orange, or turquoise. This phenomenon is due to a high concentration of salt and microorganisms. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the small port of Chiquilá. The car will remain parked here (secure parking available). A 30 minute ferry ride will take you to the island of Holbox. Take a local taxi or golf cart to reach your accommodation.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Holbox

A free day to explore this island with its authentic charm and peaceful beaches at your own pace. Opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks, available only from July through September.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Holbox

Hasta luego México!

Depending on your flight time, return to Cancún by crossing back to the mainland from Holbox. Allow enough time to pick up your car and get to the airport.